W Miami

The W Hotel, Miami offers stylish, high-end stays with amazing views of both the river and the Harbor. Centrally located in Brickel, it’s within walking distance of some of the area's best attractions, nightlife and shopping, a feature that’s not always a given in Miami. With only 146 rooms (36 of which are suites), the hotel packs a lot of punch for a smaller, boutique spot. I've stayed at enough W’s to know that quality is a given at these properties, but the Miami-specific details—like the rooftop infinity pool and restaurant run by a local chef—make this one feel a bit more special than the average big-chain hotel. It feels rooted in the culture of the city and is immediately distinguishable by its impressive amenities. 

Why stay at the W Miami?

The hotel’s location is a major selling point. Located in the bustling and trendy Brickell neighborhood, I was within walking distance of some of the area's best attractions, vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping, a degree of walkability that is surprisingly rare among Miami's top-tier hotels. This urban convenience significantly elevates the guest experience. Despite carrying the weight of a major luxury brand, with only 146 rooms, including 36 expansive suites, the property feels intimate and exclusive. The rooftop infinity pool isn't just a pool; it's an elevated viewpoint of the city. The restaurant, with its commitment to a local chef and a menu celebrating regional flavors, puts the experience in the city's rich culture. It manages to feel less like a link in a global chain and more like a hotel deeply rooted in the surrounding city. It’s a celebration of Miami as much as a luxury hotel experience.

What are the rooms like at the W Miami?

I stayed in the Premier King Suite on the 14th floor. The room was lush, with a bed next to floor-to-ceiling windows, letting me look out over the drawbridge from my bed. It has asian-inspired decor with a huge guó huà style painting of a crane above the bed and chopsticks in the wall lighting. Everything is dark marble, including the floors. Behind the bed, floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflect the views from the windows at you. Standing in the center of the room, you’re almost engulfed by the bustling city skyline around you. There's also a balcony with two chairs and a small table.

The bathroom is huge. It has a tub that was actually big enough for me, a 5’ 5” woman, to lounge in without having to bend my legs. A win! The room also supplies extras like mouthwash, a razor and a loofah as well as the full line of the W’s signature MoMo skincare. It’s the hotels' own brand, but the scents and quality are giving Le Labo. I considered buying a pump bottle of their body lotion to take home, but it's (rightfully) $76 dollars. I highly recommend dosing yourself in it before you leave.

What is the restaurant like at the W Hotel Miami? 

Tulum, the hotel's rooftop restaurant, is excellent. It's a Caribbean-Latin fusion spot with great poolside-style bites. On the recommendation of multiple other guests, I tried the steak burrito bowl, which is served in a deep-fried, edible tortilla bowl. It was a perfect lunchtime meal before heading to the pool. I also tried the "Tulum by Day" cocktail, a tropical drink made with Del Maguey Mezcal, Maker’s Mark, lime juice, pineapple juice and cream of coconut. The coconut flavor instantly transports you to a tropical paradise and the balanced sweetness of the drink means I could have easily gulped down four of them.

In the lobby, there’s also a café that serves Panther Coffee, the locally beloved coffee chain that started in Wynwood in 2010. It’s become a bit of a Miami staple, not to mention the coffee is great. Getting the opportunity to try it from the hotel is just one of the many ways this hotel brings local trends and culture into your stay. 

What is the pool like at the W Miami?

The pool at the W Hotel is one of the nicest I’ve experienced at an urban hotel to date. There are three pools, all accessible with a room reservation, one of which is actually more of a giant hot tub. The longest pool at the end is an infinity-style pool. You can swim up to the edge and overlook the city and the harbor from the water. It feels cinematic. The pool staff is attentive, setting you up with towels and a chair, as well as anything else you might want for poolside relaxation. There’s also an area with a giant chessboard and poolside games, which would be great for those traveling with children. The rooms are fantastic, don't get me wrong, but I would book a room here for access to this pool even if they weren’t as great.

What is Brickell Like?

The W Miami is in Brickell, one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Known to older Miami residents as “Southside Miami,” Brickell is now South Florida's main financial district. The neighborhood has become a hotspot for the city’s young, affluent population. The area is also home to trendy restaurants like Claudie (LINK)  and Sexy Fish (LINK), as well as the Brickell City Center shopping mall (LINK). It’s a surprisingly walkable area that offers a big-city, skyscraper feel, unlike much of the rest of the city.

Why you should book a stay at W Miami

The W Miami offers a vibrant, central and stylish base for exploring the city. Situated in a prime location, it puts guests right in the heart of the action, with seamless access to Miami's bustling downtown and Brickell neighborhoods. This convenience factor makes it a great choice for guests who want to maximize their time and experience Miami life. Once you’re done exploring, the W boasts an exceptional pool area that serves as a retreat from the city. And for travelers whose companions include canine friends, the W is also dog-friendly! 

• Address:  485 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131
• Price per Night: starts at around $400 a night
• Closest Transport Link: Fifth Street Tram Station
• Book Here